Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-01-14

lilb e1lDDh LSttA a. - ~ ''Ns~ N'@N~~
full and continued:
a stood over yonder thinkin' somebody
would give me somethin', but they looked
mad at me, and went back inter the shadder
and watched 'em. 1t was big sight, but I'm
just as hungry Thehands stopped rubbing,
and the eyes looked wet as the bundle added:
my mother is very, very sick. oh, ives
poor-so poorP
Tosey looked at his little sister as the rags
began to shuttle away.
libby said he, ave does not feel so awful
hungry
libby hesitated. She looked at the silver,
and then at the slowly retreating figure, and
then she looked up into Tosey's loving face.
No, Tosey, dunno as does"
Tosey turned around, and running after
the departing figure, handed her the piece of
money
"There1 said he, take it; you need it more
than we does
The bundle looked in surprise as she took the
piece, and tears fell down the cheeks OF the
thin, pale face But she only said: I'm
very, very grateful, and walked off.
The two little musicians watched the figure
as it disappeared in The darkness, while the
happy shuttle of the feet grew fainter and
fainter All, here was charity, godlike
charity, in the hearts of the beings that the
rich despised and thrust from their door
As the Cold Night turned toward Kitty, he
found her silently wiping her eyes.
do you see what true charity is'' he
asked, in a sweet, sympathetic voice.
"Yes, yes, murmured Kitty; Il see, see. J"
While they were talking they had slowly
risen up, up to the brilliant windows again,
Nov look at the mockery," said the Cold
Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour of the ball
Lights from myriads of jets, imbedded in
crystal chandeliers sparkled with jewels, and
silks and laces were gathered in merry
groups, or joining in piessurable dance to the
strains of sweet and lively music. 1t was a
beautiful sight indeed, but somehow the
people looked heartless to Kitty, and the
jewels glittered spitefuly, while the rich silks
seemed to hiss and hiss rs they rustled along,
as if all were rebelling against their false
use
"But one more act said the Cold Night,
| gently leading her down, down, to the oppo-
| site side of the street
From a dark corner, with their arms twined
| around each others necks, the TWO little beg
! CARS watched the windows of the brilliantly
| lighted HALFWAY up in the sky, it seemed
watched the gay figures that frequently ap-
| peared in rich dainty dresses, and smiled to
thinl. it was all for the poor and needy.
| They dances for us and for others, muir
INJURED libby; for those as is in want.
| Maybe the beautiful ladies will find us here
|
Yes said Tosey; and the poor little girl
as has the sick mother. Praps they'll find
them, and help them, too
| The Cold Night waved his hand above
| them. and they both shivered, and how cold
it was. Tosey tried 70 play a note on the
| violin, but the strings creaked so tiismauy
| that he laid il aside Then they sang to-
| gcther the sweet little song of charity libby
had sung to tin Iict people; and as they sang
the Cold Night spread his mantle slowly
around them until they were fast asleep.
"Oh SIR cried Kitty spare them and lei
them live
| No, said The Cold Night; they are toC
poor TO live They must die.
Kitty fell on lier isiees before him. "Ot
SIR She PLEADED, l--Secchingly; i am rici
and will take care d them, and will relieve
them from sufccia%.
But the Cod Night raised his hand ami
pointed upward, saving:
Too late, too iate.7
As he spoke, lac took the beggaIs in hi;
arms and SLOWLY rose up toward the stars
leaving Kitty sobbing upon the ground
And. as she knelt thegr, she heard, high il
the skies, the song that the beggaTs sang, th'
sons Of sweet charity. swelling to n mighty
chorus. as one would think 10 celebrate
mighty deed-mi htv in the sight of heaven
She tried to raise iei head bat could not
she seemed bound to the earth by grea
weight, as of gold; while above the sons
giew fainter and fainter till at last it ceased
and she fell in u deep svoon.
, II was broad daylight when Kitty awoke
ard the sun was shining brightly into he
! window In the bail tee maid was hummins
, q subducd song Is She Went blitheiy aboC
Z her work; whilc without, tho white smoke o
, morning fins-signz Of stirring life-curle'
upward from the chimney tops into the coo
J air. us if glad to meet the light of day.
1t YVES only a dream, YET oh, low vivid!
thought Kitty. as she rubbed her eyes again
J and again. surprised to see the walls of he
own pretty room actually around her.
> Only dream vet how full Of TRUTH
chcerily rang the miikman bell as Kit,
domted her morning dress; while, as sh
Z passed down the broad staircase, the grea
hall clock scemed to say:
Only dream. only dream, vet there's
? lesson and Kitty ponicred.
year from that time Kitty passed by th
same old clock; but this time it said, as
licked. licked away:
! "Only a dream; yet it's made her an ange
! angel of mercy to suffering need He
e name. SO dear to us. is name of love anon
the poor. Alb, happy was the day, when +
5 her eyes q dream revealed true clarity
: Boston Christian Register.